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Cousino spirit squad hosts third annual Cheer for Charity event

Members of the Warren Cousino High School varsity cheerleading squad sold chocolate megaphones during the Dec. 17 Cheer for Charity event that raised $4,500 for Wigs 4 Kids, a group that provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss as a result of a number of illnesses and diseases. (Photo by Deb Jacques)

Members of the Warren Cousino High School varsity cheerleading squad sold chocolate megaphones during the Dec. 17 Cheer for Charity event that raised $4,500 for Wigs 4 Kids, a group that provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss as a result of a number of illnesses and diseases. (Photo by Deb Jacques)

WARREN — As a full-time nurse, Warren Cousino High School competitive cheer coach Tina Brown sees a variety of heartbreaking things on a daily basis.

Her philanthropic instincts kicked in even more three years ago when she established the Cheer for Charity event — a now-annual happening that benefits various local charities. This year’s event, which took place Dec. 17, brought in about $4,500, according to Brown. That money will go to Wigs 4 Kids, a group that provides wigs for children who suffer hair loss as a result of a number of illnesses and diseases.

“We had about 600 people come through the door, so that helped out a lot,” said Brown, a mother of three.

“As a parent, I can’t imagine having a child who may be 12 or 13 years old going through their formative years and losing their hair. That’s got to be extremely difficult. It’s also has to be difficult to come up with $800 for a wig, but that wig gives the child confidence and boosts their self-esteem.”

Twenty teams took part in the event this year, where the goal was to raise at least $4,000, according to Brown, which could pay for at least four wigs, she said. Last year, $3,400 went to the Michigan Humane Society.

Each team that took part paid a $100 entry fee, Brown said. T-shirts and smoothies were sold, as well, with all the money going to this year’s selected charity. Patrons paid a small fee to attend the event, too.

“We do our best to pick charities where the money will go straight to the people who need it and not to overhead and administrative costs,” said Brown, adding members of her 40-girl squad help organize the event along with performing.

“There’s a reason we do this at this time of year. It’s got to be a great feeling for the kids who need the wigs to get them as a Christmas present.”